“The Maldives is our neighbour,” Swaraj said in a lively question and answer session, “and they themselves have written ‘India First’ in their own foreign policy. You’ll have seen there are ups and downs with whichever government has been in power. But relations have not broken and they can never be broken.”

“Four times they have sent a letter, they have invited me again even now,” she continued. “But the last time they came and invited me I said do these things then I will come. They have not done them that’s why there has been no visit.”

The 90-minute briefing with full audio can be found here, with the minister’s remarks about the Maldives starting from 1:22:45. A transcript can be read here.

Asim was snubbed by New Delhi while embarking on an international diplomatic charm offensive during the state of emergency, although the Maldives foreign ministry was quick to say it was not a snub and that his visit had been cancelled at the request of the Indian government.

This article has been updated with a link containing full audio, additional quotes from India’s foreign minister and an English transcript.